Italy backs Brazil's entry into OECD, EU-Mercosur free trade deal

Rome, Nov 8 :  Italy wants Brazil to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and strongly supports a free trade accord between the European Union and Mercosur, Italian Economic Development Minister Carlo Calendula has said.

The statement came after a meeting in Rome between Calendula and Brazil's Planning Minister Dyogo Henrique de Oliveira on Tuesday at which they discussed bilateral business opportunities in the context of an economic recovery and major investment programme underway in Brazil.

"Italian companies are ready to lend their expertise and know-how, especially in the energy, port, aviation and highways sector," said Calendula, adding that Italy is pushing for an accord between the EU and Mercosur, the trade bloc formed by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Some observers hope this will be achieved this year.

The minister also praised the 54 billion euro programme of private sector investment in infrastructure projects that has been launched by the Brazilian government.